Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and instead field an standard back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his squad dug in for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Although he once famously said that not even the Pope could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the ability to play with alternative formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"When I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to build an identity. Now is a different moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever media criticize changing the system constantly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a better team because when all the players are back, we are not planning to play with a back three all the time."
Squad Crisis Persist
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
While the specific date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
